OTTAWA, (Jan. 13, 2003) — As the new incomplete vehicle rules come into effect Feb. 13, the major goal for the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association continues to be reaching scores of body shops and heavy equipment dealers, and ensuring such parties understand their responsibilities under the new standard.

The regulations require manufacturers to document their work on a truck or trailer and make them legally responsible for the modifications they make. The regulations affect “incomplete-vehicle” manufacturers (the original equipment manufacturer), “intermediate” manufacturers, and “final-stage” manufacturers who build, alter, or finish a new truck chassis or trailer in Canada.

The incomplete-vehicle manufacturer must now affix a label that indicates who built the vehicle, where and when it was made, and affirms that it complies with all Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. If the intermediate manufacturer alters the vehicle, it too must place a label next to the original. The final-stage manufacturer must then add to the vehicle document its name and mailing address, plus a clear and precise description of all the changes it made to the incomplete vehicle. The final-stage manufacturer will have to retain and provide provincial licensing officials with all the vehicle documentation for at least five years after the date the vehicle was finally completed.

CTEA general manager Al Tucker says awareness among all stage manufacturers has improved and the association will be working with a contracted coordinator to provide additional information for complying with the requirements.

However if manufacturers are not familiar with the rules yet, there’s not much time left. Tucker says, although the standard still requires some finishing touches, the government intends to immediately commence random audits “with the new regulation in their pocket.”
Contact the CTEA at 519/631-0414 for more info.